The notion that with crisis comes opportunity is certainly thought provoking. Undoubtedly COVID-19 has caused great harm, but perhaps, as we re-evaluate what is important, changes within communities can allow us to focus more on disease prevention and provide us with an opportunity to tackle the pre-existing crisis of obesity.
Lockdown rules stated that, beyond essentials, exercise was the only reason to leave the house. Overnight the pavements were crawling with runners and the roads jam-packed with cyclists. After years of encouraging people to exercise, it appeared as though everybody was.
Looking for statistical proof of this, Haxby Group Practice asked patients to complete an online questionnaire, comparing levels of exercise before and during lockdown. Over 5000 patients responded.
Of these patients, 28.7% were exercising more often during lockdown. For some this was exercising weekly rather than monthly, whereas for others it was exercising daily instead of not at all. Of those now exercising daily, almost 10% had exercised only a few times a month at most prior to lockdown, suggesting a positive shift in the attitudes and efforts of our patients towards a more active lifestyle.
Inevitably some patients were exercising less (20.8%). However, almost 30% of those exercising less during lockdown were still exercising a few times a week, which we would consider a healthy amount. If we consider that an individual’s ability to exercise may also have been influenced by changes in occupational circumstances, or childcare arrangements, or by shielding, this is not so discouraging.
Perhaps what’s more exciting are the ambitions of our patients post-lockdown. Although 50% planned to return to previous exercise regimes, 30% planned to continue exercising more frequently than previously, and 17% planned to continue with new activities.
If, as a consequence of the COVID-19 lockdown, people have taken steps towards a healthier lifestyle, it is important to recognise this and use this as an opportunity to build momentum. New exercise habits have been formed, and, with encouragement and support from primary care, this could be maintained, resulting in a healthier, less obese population.
Perhaps from one crisis we have the opportunity to prevent another.
- © British Journal of General Practice 2020